Baton Rouge, Louisiana
MISSION STATEMENT New Venture Theatre celebrates the human condition through the prism of the African American experience by producing quality and transformative theatre that enlightens, educates and inspires everyone.
HISTORY In 1997, New Venture Theatre (originally Eden Park Theatre) began as a program, created by the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center, to enable the performing arts to be more accessible to the underserved. Elliott C. Baham and Greg Williams, Jr. both saw an artistic need in their community and understood how the arts could positively impact and be a wonderful addition to the community center. New Venture Theatre’s musicals and plays have delighted audiences over the years with such productions as, THE COLOR PURPLE, THE WIZ, A RAISIN IN THE SUN ,LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, DREAMGIRLS, IN THE HEIGHTS and SHOUT! A GOOD NEWS MUSICAL. New Venture Theatre’s mission is to provide not only distinctive and remarkable theatrical experiences for our diverse audiences, but also to develop exceptional local talent. It is New Venture’s belief that we can innovatively create environments that are professional, comfortable and fun, all in a spirit of excellence, quality, and respect. New Venture Theatre has partnered with over 1,000 artists of all races, social classes, and backgrounds. Our collaboration with various local organizations also enables artistic programming in these groups and positively impacts the community as a whole. At New Venture Theatre, we are passionate about theatre, professional growth, and building a dynamic and powerful artistic community. We hope you will join us to experience extraordinary theatre right here in the Baton Rouge community where voices, rhythms and cultures collide and flourish.